(Commonwealth_ The House of Commons’ Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) recently held a special session to scrutinize Russian oil exploration activities in Antarctica, particularly within the UK’s claimed territory in the region. This inquiry saw three ministers questioned on the issue, amid rising concerns over the geopolitical and environmental implications of such activities.
In 2020, Rosgeo, a Russian mineral exploration company, reported that its research vessel Alexander Karpinsky had conducted a comprehensive sub-surface geological survey. This survey, part of the 65th Russian Antarctic expedition, mapped oil and gas prospects on the Antarctic ice shelves, specifically in the southeastern part of the Riiser-Larsen Sea off the coast of Queen Maud Land, a region claimed by Norway. Despite this, the EAC session highlighted that since 2011, Russian seismic surveys have also been occurring in the Weddell Sea, which falls under the UK’s Antarctic territorial claims. According to Rosgeo, these surveys have identified approximately 500 billion barrels (70 billion tons) of hydrocarbon potential in the Southern Ocean’s basins.
Junior Minister at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, David Rutley, testified that Russia has pledged to comply with the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty, established in 1959, imposed a moratorium on the exploration and exploitation of Antarctic minerals in 1976, aiming to protect the region through a precautionary approach. However, the treaty allows scientific research, a loophole that countries like Russia exploit to continue mineral exploration under the guise of scientific endeavors.
Antarctica, often described as an enormous no man’s land, has seven historic claimants: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. These claims were effectively suspended when the Antarctic Treaty was signed, maintaining the continent’s status as a protected area. However, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the governance of the polar regions has faced increased stress. Experts have warned that deteriorating relations between Russia and the West could shift the focus from collaboration to competition, threatening the conservation efforts in Antarctica.
This shift has already been observed, with Russia and China blocking attempts by other Antarctic Treaty nations to expand marine protected areas in the region. Professor Klaus Dodds, a geopolitics expert at the University of London, expressed concerns in a written submission to the EAC. He indicated that Russia’s collection of seismic data, interpreted as prospecting, poses a significant threat to the permanent ban on mining in Antarctica. This activity undermines the integrity of the Antarctic Treaty’s protocol, which is set for review in 2048 under strict preconditions and rules.
Dodds’ submission underscores the potential ramifications of Russia’s actions, suggesting that they could jeopardize the long-term preservation of Antarctica’s unique environment. The EAC session revealed a deep unease about the future of the region, with the possibility of intensified resource competition as geopolitical tensions rise.
The inquiry highlighted the delicate balance of international agreements and the pressing need for robust governance mechanisms to ensure the continued protection of Antarctica. As the deadline for reviewing the Antarctic Treaty approaches, the actions of Russia and other nations will be closely scrutinized, with significant implications for global environmental policy and international relations.
In conclusion, the EAC session on Russian oil exploration in Antarctica underscored the critical challenges facing the governance of the polar regions. The continued seismic surveys by Russia, framed as scientific research, pose a threat to the longstanding moratorium on mineral exploitation. As geopolitical tensions mount, the international community must reinforce its commitment to preserving the integrity of Antarctica, balancing scientific interests with environmental protection.
